United States
Tennessee (TN)
Dandridge
Things to Do in Dandridge
Douglas Lake
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Douglas Lake

See all things to do
See all things to do
Douglas Lake
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
261 reviews
Excellent
183
Very good
60
Average
12
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Huh
1 contribution
The lone catfish
Jul 2023 • Couples
No catfish. Well, there was 1 catfish in the entire lake and I caught him. He has green eyes, a spotted belly and tons of attitude. His name is Dave and he’s 11” long and growing. I felt bad for other fishermen so I threw him back. We fished here a whole week for catfish and walked away humiliated. The lake is heavily commercially fished specifically for catfish to supply the local restaurants. It’s a beautiful lake so if you enjoy water sports or just cruising the lake, you’ll love it. Just leave your deep fryer and batter mix at home. If you’re looking for catfish try lake Barkley, lake Cumberland or your neighbors pond, you’ll have better luck.
Written July 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen N
Spring Grove, IL26 contributions
An amazing day on the lake.
Jun 2023 • Couples
A day of fabulous fun. Truly outstanding boat rental company. Outstanding boat, engine, clean, easy check in and out. Kids work hard for this company. We had 6 couples on board and everyone was truly impressed. Highly recommend this activity.
Written June 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan K
Dandridge, TN15 contributions
Douglas Lake Safety
Aug 2017 • Family
I live on Douglas Lake, mile marker 14. I am sad about the review of the grandson that drowned. I have grown children and I do not allow them to swim at our home, or on the boat, without a floating device. Our lake is a dammed up River, The French Broad. There is a strong current under the water when they are letting water out of the Dam. You can research water withdrawal from the Dam at the TVA website if you will be visiting our area. The lake is a beautiful 33,000 acre area, approx 30 miles long and 525 miles of shoreline. The beautiful mountains that surround it make it an awesome place to live. just be careful and be safe, life jackets required, no exceptions.
Written August 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marinerjess
Dandridge, TN243 contributions
Live Here & Love It
Jul 2014 • Family
My fiance and I moved to Dandridge in August, as the proud homeowners of a house on Douglas Lake's main channel. I can say with all honesty that Douglas Lake is what convinced us to buy waterfront property in eastern Tennessee. This lake, while man-made, is just gorgeous!

It's a huge lake, with all sorts of coves and interesting places to explore and swim. There's great fishing, not a day goes by without a bass boat. There's plenty of public launches, marinas to fuel up at and grab a bite to eat, and chances to see wildlife, like bald eagles!

I love Douglas Lake, and am thrilled to call it home. Just a warning though...it is a seasonal lake, and while it's still beautiful in the winter, it's about 50 feet lower than the summer season.
Written December 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelia S
4 contributions
Water
Jul 2017 • Couples
This lake unsafe if you have young children or any one needs to wear a life jacket untoes. We lost our grandson to drowning here and he knew he couldn't swim and never would get in water he couldn't see bottom mist if time it was knee deep unanswer reason
Written July 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HikerGuideSteve
Sevierville, TN27 contributions
There's Nothing Like Kayaking This Huge Lake, and Seeing The Stars at Night!
Jun 2017 • Business
The Tennessee Valley Authority, created this lake in the 1930's primarily for flood control, and hydroelectric power generation. The lake is drawn down before and after the summer season, to be ready to catch rain and snow melt, and prevent the seasonal flooding, that so dogged this area previously. During the drawdown, the lake looks mostly like a mud flat in many areas. Many fishing tournaments are held here every year. Near Douglas Dam, in Sevier County, there is a beach swimming area, and a large concrete paved public boat launch. As a full-time hiking and kayaking guide, I've taken many couples and individuals out on the water, built a bonfire on a small island, and immensely enjoyed watching the sunset, with a view of The Great Smoky Mountains in the distance. Then, after the sun has set, boat activity subsides, the winds calm , and the large lake becomes a huge glass-like mirror, decorated with the reflections of the moon, and and stars, as they come out to play, and ever so brightly! I love going there, and as a local I do so often, and I also very much enjoy showing folks, the beauty of "the simple life", at the Foothills of The Smokies!
Written June 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SmokyMtnGirl904
Green Cove Springs, FL133 contributions
Beautiful Lake
Jul 2013 • Friends
I love this beautiful lake! It's best to visit during the summer when the water level is up. I would highly recommend taking a boat around the lake to enjoy the wonderful views. Most of the boat launches fill up quick so, get there early! My favorite time to visit is July 4th when they have a huge fireworks display. The only downside to going on the 4th is that everyone else seems to have the same idea and it gets really packed.
Written April 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie J
Port Orange, FL6 contributions
A nice place to visit but a better place to live.
Feb 2015 • Solo
I live on Douglas Lake and love it. It's great for boating, fishing swimming, parasailing etc. It's also close enough to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg for day trips to any of the activities taking place there. I moved here from the North, on my own with no family, after visiting the area for several years. I never get tired of the sunsets, sunrises, mountains, food, shops and outlet centers. People are friendly and the resort stores are quaint with outlets there as another choice. It's close enough to Knoxville to do things there also. The weather is much better than the north, and judging by the visitors from the south, probably a little better than the heat in the summer in the south. I cannot answer the other questions because I have lived here for 10 years and have been to the shows and other attractions.
Written February 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff S
Dandridge, TN56 contributions
Great escape from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg craziness.
May 2015 • Family
Want a great day on the lake while vacationing in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg? Douglas Lake is your answer. 20 minutes away - Pontoon, jet boat, and houseboat rentals as well as kayaks, jet skis and more. Restaurants on the water, beautiful scenery, and trophy fishing is what this huge lake is known for. This lake is on the Bassmaster Elite circuit. Numerous boat ramps, swimming areas, and more.

*July 3rd at sundown is the Shakin' the Lake fireworks show on the water. Hundreds of boats gather to see the display.

Just a really beautiful lake. Dandridge is the town nestled on its banks and is the 2nd Oldest town in TN. - Worth checking out as well. Davey Crockett used to frequent that town and even got his marriage license at the Dandridge courthouse.
Written May 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles B
Toledo, OH218 contributions
The best
Aug 2014
We looked at groupons from competitors before our trip. Even with the groupon, h2o was far better. They have honest pricing eith no gimmicks. Its a family owned business, and they are great. The boats are great, prices are great, and the staff are great. I highly recommend. And I almost never give a perfect recommendation.
Written August 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Douglas Lake - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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